Broncos Draft Sylvester Williams

The Denver Broncos selected defensive tackle Sylvester Williams in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday, a 313-pounder from North Carolina who gives defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio more of the heft he likes up front.

It’s a position the Broncos upgraded in free agency, when they signed 300-pounder Terrence Knighton and brought back another 300-pounder in Kevin Vickerson.

But Williams, with 20 tackles for loss and 8 sacks over his two years at Carolina, was regarded as a top-20 pick in a number of mock drafts and apparently too good a player for the Broncos to pass up.

Denver is still in need of a pass rusher to replace Elvis Dumervil and also seeks help in the defensive backfield and at running back.